The Norman Conquest (1065–1087) – GCSE History Flashcards

A comprehensive set of Q&A flashcards covering Anglo-Saxon England, the Norman Conquest, key figures, battles, governance, culture, law, language, and the Domesday era as described in the notes.

What years frame the Norman Conquest in these notes?

1065 to 1087.

How was England governed in 1065 in terms of central control and administrative divisions?

Strong central control; the country divided into shires (counties) to ease administration.

What enabled English kings to raise money efficiently in the 11th century?

A taxation system and the right to mint coins (mints).

Who advised on succession and led the king's army among the Witan?

The Witan (earls) advised on succession and led the king's army.

Who was Harold Godwinson according to these notes?

The Earl of Wessex; the richest and most powerful English earl.

Who were thegns?

Landowners below the earls who owned land, ran local courts, and helped collect taxes.

Who were ceorls?

The vast majority of people who worked as farmers.

Who were thralls?

Slaves who were the property of their masters and not free to move.

What rights did Anglo-Saxon women have by 1066?

Legal right to own land and property; could leave a husband if adultery; in monasteries women could be in charge; land ownership by women was very limited (about 5%).

What was the literacy situation in Anglo-Saxon England?

Very few English could read; literacy mainly among priests, monks, nuns, or the wealthy educated.

When did the Roman Catholic Church come to England?

AD 597.

Who was St Dunstan and what did he do?

Archbishop of Canterbury (c. 960–988) who reformed the church, educated clergy, forbade priest marriage, and rebuilt churches.

What does 'pluralism' mean in the medieval church?

Holding two church positions and being paid for both.

What is Beowulf?

The famous Anglo-Saxon epic poem (over 3,000 lines long).

What is the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle?

A history of Britain started by monks in the late 9th century and continued to the 12th century.

What were burhs?

Defended towns with walls, ditches, and ramparts built for protection.

What is the Alfred Jewel known for?

A jewel featuring high-quality enamel and metalwork, illustrating Anglo-Saxon craft.

What are ringwork and motte-and-bailey castles?

Ringwork: enclosed area with a ditch and wooden fence; motte-and-bailey: a mound (motte) with a bailey and a keep.

What was the purpose of Norman castles as described in the notes?

Military fortresses and symbols of power; later used for administration and controlling estates.

Why did Normans engage in widespread castle-building after 1071?

To crush resistance and consolidate control; many built across the countryside on noble estates.

What is the Domesday Book and when was it created?

A land-and-resources survey ordered in 1085 by William; completed in 1086.

What were the two parts of the Domesday Book?

Little Domesday (Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk) and Great Domesday (rest of the kingdom).

What was the Domesday Book used to show?

The legal right to land and the ruler's authority; not just for taxation.

How did Norman conquest affect English land ownership by 1086?

Only 4 of 180 tenants-in-chief were English; most land owned by Normans.

What two new laws did Normans introduce that were unpopular?

Murdrum fine and Forest Law.

What happened to the English language after the conquest?

Norman French used by the ruling class; Latin used for government; English continued among commoners; about 25% of English words from Norman French.

Who replaced Stigand as Archbishop of Canterbury?

Lanfranc (Norman).

What happened to Saxon churches after 1070?

Most rebuilt in the Norman style; Saxon saints largely replaced; Norman monasteries established.

What was Hereward the Wake known for in 1070–71?

Resistance in the east; Ely as a base; siege of Ely (1071) and the rebels were defeated.

What was the Harrying of the North?

William’s campaign circa 1069–70 destroying crops, livestock, and food across northern England, causing famine.

What was the role of the Danes in 1069–70 rebellions?

Danes invaded with ships, allied with northern rebels, later left after being paid; Hereward’s alliances with them.